June 01, 2012

The Icelandic Stallion.

When I was a young girl, riding was my passion. I can not really adequately describe the sensation, but I was the happiest when I was on a horseback.
This was however a life time ago and the last time I sat on a horse was almost twenty years back, riding towards the sunset on a secluded beach in Puerto Rico.

In life though, we never know who meet and what those encounters can lead to and as luck have it, one of my husbands acquaintances, a jovial and kind woman, has a passion for horses. And thus once again, with her help and guidance, my own passion for riding has been rekindled.

Sitting on horseback recently for the first time after a couple of decades, I relived the happiness I once felt as a young girl. The sensation and "know-how" returned to me easily and the encounter left me wanting more. In difference from my past experiences, when I rode large stallions, this time I rode an Icelandic horse. Pony like in size, however not a pony, these horses are  known for having additional gaits, among others a very distinguished riding stride called tölt, which is a mix between a walk and a trot. They are small, yet strong and resilient, with a placid temper.

Riding through a beautiful natural scenery, in great company, my world was once again set momentarily right, as yet another set of unforgettable moments were added to my recollection.



24 comments:

  1. Zuzana, this must indeed be great to ride a horse after a long gap through the green meadows:) I am sure you must be feeling elated:)

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  2. You look so happy, must be great to reconnect to something that meant so much to you.

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  3. Zuzana,I would love to riding one day..I love animals,how are horses?What character do they have?Can communicate with them?I had as frends only dogs,cats and hedgehogs!I forgot...fishes!
    :-)

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  4. How lovely for you to be able to recapture those early memories. There is nothing quite like the feeling that riding through the beautiful countryside brings.

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  5. i will be riding again this summer...cant wait...we have some horse farms nearly in our back yard and i live to watch the horses...they are so magnificent...and yes having riden before i know the feeling and it is exhilarating...smiles...

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  6. I miss my horse when I read this, I have not ridden for about 20 years.
    I have always been rather fascinated by the Icelandic horse, with their running gait. I've heard it is very comfortable over long distances. I'd love to go on a riding holiday in Iceland!
    I'm very happy that you have rekindled your passion, I hope it will help to make the time bearable while your lovely husband is away.

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  7. Isn't is so enjoyable to be reminded of how much you love something? I love NEW adventures and experiences that are born from OLD recollections and memories.
    The horses are gorgeous...as are YOU, sweet, happy lady!

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  8. How wonderful! I love these little horses. We saw them here at the Royal Winter Fair, and their gait is enchanting. How exciting that you've taken up an old enthusiasm!

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  9. We live next door to a horse farm and stable. Watching them gallop and play through the meadows is a treasure. SO GLAD you have rekindled that passion.

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  10. Zuzana, a common memory there. I wish I could ride horses in Ireland. The last time was more than 6 years ago and I miss the beauty and the freedom of it.
    I discovered horse-riding I was 14 and I had problems communicating with people of my age. This experience changed me.

    I am happy you enjoyed this moment again. Stay well my dear friend. xx

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  11. How wonderful to reconnect with something you love while your love is away!

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  12. Ah, how lovely. My daughter loves riding and Icelandic horses are so sweet-natured on the whole.

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  13. You look very much at home on that pony Zuzana. What a perfect day you must have had, the countryside scenery is wonderful!

    There are horses in the paddock down our lane - they're lovely. Sadly, I cannot ride ....!

    Jeanne
    x

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  14. Oh you are a girl of my heart!!!
    Nothing nicer than to enjoy a nice walk through the woods with such a wonderful creature as a horse.
    I love them!!!

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  15. Oh, that looks like so much fun! :) They are beautiful animals!

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  16. Oh, that looks like so much fun! :) They are beautiful animals!

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  17. Very cool. I love the way this flowed.

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  18. so good to read you again! love your writing and so good to see this new journey develop. It is a gift to get to know a writer through their "reflections" and see the changes in their lives, like we have seen yours and when those changes are of a happy nature, even better.

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  19. It is a wonderful experience to revisit again what you enjoyed in childhood.

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  20. So nice to rekindle that old flame of youth's passion. It must be wonderful to ride horses. I have only done it a few times in my life and sadly my memories are filled with some terror. I'm just not a sportswoman. But you are and you look great.

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  21. Hi Zuzana,

    So glad that you could rekindle the love of riding horses again.
    I loved seeing your photos and what a lovely place to take a ride.

    Happy new week
    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  22. Oh how wonderful!! I love riding as well :) So glad you are having such wonderful days :))

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  23. Very lovely. It's been about a dozen years since I last went riding. I'd go again in a heartbeat. Keep on enjoying, my friend. :)

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  24. Dear Zuzana! I know that same " girly giddyness" only a horse crazy gal can know... The smell, the touch, the wisdom in a horses eyes... Nothing can compare to that first love.... It thrills me to see you rediscovering this passion! I did the same thing a few years back and instantly fell in love with them all over again.! I hope you can make it a regular thing... I've missed my equine encounters greatly as I gave them up after the American economy fell flat a few years back... However, I DO hear horse hooves in my dreams. Thank you for your recent visit!
    xo Deb

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Welcome and thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. I appreciate your words and thoughts and your visits and feedback mean a lot to me, even though I no longer find the time to respond to your comments - unfortunately.
However, be assured I read every single word and will let you know in one way or another, that I do.:))
xoxo
Zuzana